Tired of cellphone spam and unwanted SMS subscription services? Here’s your chance to do something about it. Well, kind of.
The Wireless Application Service Providers’ Association (Waspa), an industry body of mobile marketers created to self-regulate the industry, has invited public comment on proposed amendments to its code of conduct aimed at protecting consumers of mobile content and services.
“Waspa wants … the code of conduct [to be] shaped by the very consumers it is designed to protect,” says Mike Hainebach, chairman of Waspa’s code of conduct committee.
A dedicated page for inputting comment can be found on Waspa’s website.
Hainebach says the association already places all previous versions of the code of conduct on its website, while records of adjudications, penalties issued against errant members, and information pertaining to the mission and mandate of Waspa are also publicly available.
He says Waspa will apply to the department of trade & industry for its code of conduct to be recognised under the Consumer Protection Act, which comes into effect in October.
The code of conduct sets standards for advertising mobile application services and includes a framework for the provision of services by members. Sanctions for violating the code may include warnings, fines, suspension or the revocation of membership.
Unfortunately, Waspa has no control over non-members. So, while self-regulation helps to some extent, it won’t eradicate cellphone spam. — Staff reporter, TechCentral
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